All About the GED: Arizona

Passing the General Educational Development (GED) Test can prepare individuals for better paying jobs, military service or college enrollment. If you're an Arizonan and you don't have a high school diploma, you might consider earning your GED credential. To learn more about GED test preparation, testing locations and state requirements, please read on.

Earning a GED in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Education partners with the American Council on Education (ACE) to provide GED testing and test preparation services. The GED Test compares the knowledge and skills of GED test-takers to those of graduating high school seniors. After successfully passing the GED Test, Arizonans receive the Arizona High School Equivalency Diploma and a copy of their official scores.

GED Testing Format

The GED Test measures an individual's ability to understand and use different kinds of facts and information in four categories of knowledge. These subjects are:

Language arts

Mathematics

Science

Social studies

Test-takers have a little over seven hours in which to complete all four exam sections, although candidates do not have to take the four exams all at once. The language arts section, which includes a written essay, is 150 minutes long. The math section of the exam is 115 minutes, and the science and social studies exams are both 90 minutes. GED tests are available in English and Spanish. GED candidates diagnosed with certain disabilities may request testing accommodations.

Arizona's Scoring Requirements

To earn the GED credential in Arizona, GED candidates must score at least 150 on each test and have a combined score of at least 600 on all four tests. Candidates who receive scores of 170 -200 on individual tests earn Honors scores.

If an individual does not pass a GED test in any subject, he or she may retake the test. However, after three times, there is a 60-day waiting period before retesting. There is no limit on the number of times you can take the exam in any year.

Arizona Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the GED tests in Arizona, individuals must be 18 years of age or older and not enrolled in high school. Test takers who are 16 or 17, may also take GED exam, but they must provide an official withdrawal form from their high school and a notarized letter from a parent or guardian giving them permission to take the tests.

To take the GED tests, individuals must bring two forms of ID, and one must be a government-issued photo ID.

GED Preparation and Testing Options

Test Preparation Locations

Community colleges, adult learning centers and literacy groups may offer GED test preparation programs. These classes are available via distance learning or in person. Those interested in taking preparation classes can review the Arizona Department of Education's website (http://www.azed.gov/adultedservices/files/2012/05/contactinfoabegedclasses-11_20131.pdf) to find a convenient location.

Testing Centers

Some of the community colleges and adult education centers that offer preparation classes are also GED testing centers. However, while test preparation may be completed online, GED testing isn't available online.

Arizona Adult Education Services has a list of official GED testing centers at online. (http://www.azed.gov/adultedservices/files/2015/04/cbt-testing-316152.pdf)